| Description | From: Edward II, king of England
To: [Henry of Eastry], prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory
The prior has been attached in the king's court, to answer why he attempted to exercise sede vacante jurisdiction over Dover Priory during the vacancy following the death of Archbishop Robert Winchelsey, although Dover is exempt from all jurisdiction except that of the archbishop and the prior's action was contrary to a decision made in the court of Edward I. The prior of Dover refused to obey, so the prior of Canterbury excommunicated the prior, subprior, precentor, cellarer, sacrist and archpriest ('Archipresbiter') of Dover. The prior of Canterbury also forced the clergy of the churches belonging to Dover Priory to make a procession to Canterbury and pay 1d each as a sign of their subjection. The king commands the prior of Canterbury to revoke the sentences of excommunication and not to proceed with any undecided cases pending between his house and Dover Priory at the papal court or elsewhere. The clerk is Fyncham.
Given at Westminster [Middlesex].
Witness: H le Scrop'
Endorsed with note that the writ was received at Canterbury on 15 Sep. |